Improve his shape

By adding a back rail to the jump to make a spread fence, this grid will work on improving the shape your horse makes over a fence.

Your focus is still on establishing a good canter rhythm. If you feel your approach is wrong, circle away and work on improving the quality of you canter before approaching the grid again.

If your horse is a bit wobbly on the approach, you can use guide rails to help keep him straight. It’s important not to let your horse drift to the left or right, otherwise you’ll alter the distances set out in your grid, making it harder for both of you.

Set it up

Add a back rail (as in the diagram below) and move your landing pole out so it’s three of your normal walk steps from the fence. Make sure to ride through the grid off both reins.

How to ride it

You’re going to ride this just as you did the previous grid. It’s important not to over-ride just because the fence has been altered. Remember it’s your horse that does the jumping and it’s your responsibility to create the canter rhythm and keep him straight.

Once you’ve ridden through the grid a couple of time off each rein make the spread wider to encourage your horse to really use his back.